The Lakers and Odom had a bitter breakup after Los Angeles orchestrated a deal that would have swapped Odom and Pau Gasol in a three-team exchange to receive Chris Paul in return.

Despite NBA commissioner David Stern's veto of the deal, Odom became disgruntled after being used as a trade piece and was soon later traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

After having a poor going with the Mavs, Odom later found himself in familiar territory with the Los Angeles Clippers. Though he failed to regain his form from 2010-11, he played more efficiently than he had in Dallas and provided a solid defensive intensity for 19.7 minutes a night. He appeared in all 82 games, and though he only averaged four points, he also attempted just 4.5 field goals per game and still grabbed 5.9 boards per game in limited service..